Montessori Philosophy and Practices
A Montessori education is based in the research and writings of Dr. Maria Montessori, medical doctor, educator, and advocate for peace. Working in Italy in the early 1900s, Dr. Montessori developed ideas and techniques that allowed children from all walks of life to experience great academic success. Because the Montessori method uses fundamental principles of child development, it can be adapted to any group of children in any culture. Thus, Dr. Montessori’s work and ideas spread worldwide, influencing scores of other theorists and educators. Much of what is considered “new” and “experimental” in education today has long been a part of Montessori practice.
At The New School of Lancaster, each child participates in our Montessori program that includes:
- An individualized approach to education that recognizes individual learning ability, interest, style and pace.
- Promotion of self-esteem by encouraging independence and self-sufficiency.
- Encouragement of respect for one another and for the environment.
- Creation of a structured environment within which there is freedom of choice in learning.
- Use of a positive, gentle and consistent approach with each child.
- An environment rich in learning opportunities for each child’s absorbent mind.
- Uniquely designed Montessori materials and teacher-made materials used to meet each child’s learning needs.
- Recognition of the importance of all areas of development, including the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of growing children.
Our classrooms are collaborative communities that foster order, respect, and a child’s innate desire to learn. Multi-aged classrooms allow students to work together and learn from each other. Our teaching method respects individual differences and learning styles. Specially designed materials lead from concrete experience to abstract knowledge. Our integrated approach to learning encourages universal thinking.
Read more about Dr. Maria Montessori, the prepared environment, or educating the whole child. We also have suggested Montessori resources for further reading.
